What is settle training?
Training your dog to use settle mats can be a rewarding experience for both you and your dog. It’s a great way to provide them with a designated space to relax and feel secure. This is useful for when guests arrive, during meals, or any time you want your dog to chill out instead of being overly excited or underfoot.
How to - settle training
Step 1: Introduce the Settle Spot
Place the mat on the floor in a quiet area and allow your dog to investigate it.
The moment your dog looks at, steps on, or sniffs the mat, mark the behavior ("yes!") and offer a treat.
Repeat this several times to build a positive association with the mat.
Step 2: Guide Your Dog Into a Down Using Luring
Luring involves using a treat to guide your dog into a desired position.
While your dog is standing or sitting on the mat, hold a treat to their nose.
Slowly move the treat down and slightly forward between their front paws.
As your dog follows the treat, their body should lower into a lying down position.
As soon as they lie down, mark the behavior and give the treat.
Practice until your dog is consistently following the lure into a down on the mat.
Step 3: Encourage Calmness Using Free-Shaping
Free-shaping means reinforcing natural behaviors without guiding the dog physically or with treats.
Sit quietly near the mat with your dog on it.
If your dog chooses to lie down on their own, or rests their head, or becomes still and relaxed, mark and reward.
Avoid rewarding alert or restless behaviors; only reward signs of calmness and relaxation.
This helps your dog learn that calm behavior, not just lying down, earns rewards.
Step 4: Add a Cue Word
Once your dog is reliably lying down and relaxing on the mat, say the word “Settle” right before they begin to lie down or relax (or your chosen cue word).
Over time, your dog will associate the cue with the act of calming down on the mat.
Continue rewarding calm, sustained behavior.
Step 5: Increase Duration
Begin rewarding your dog for staying settled for a few seconds at a time.
Slowly increase the duration between rewards: 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, and so on.
If your dog gets up, calmly reset them on the mat and try again.
Step 6: Add Distance and Distractions
Once your dog is successful in a quiet space, introduce mild distractions, such as soft background noise or someone walking by.
Begin moving short distances away from the mat before returning to reward.
Gradually increase the level of distraction and the distance and time you leave them.
Always return before your dog becomes restless to set them up for success.
Step 7: Introduce a Release Cue
Teach your dog a release word such as “Okay” to let them know the settle time is over.
Do not call them off the mat excitedly, this should remain a calm activity.
Walk over and release them gently.
Teaching your dog to settle isn't just about lying down, it’s about building emotional regulation and calm behavior in real-world environments. Luring and free-shaping allows your dog to learn the desired behavior actively and naturally.
If you're finding it difficult to make progress, or if your dog is showing signs of anxiety, reactivity, or frustration, consider working with a qualified, dog trainer or behaviorist. They can offer tailored guidance and support for you and your dog.